Most states now issue CCW licenses to non-police citizens with no criminal record. In those states, CCW licenses cannot be arbitrarily denied. They' re not hard to get, for the most part. The CCW license itself does not require the holder to carry a concealed gun, nor, for that matter, to even own a gun! It simply gives him the option, at his discretion.

Some states, such as FL, have had their CCW statute in place for several decades now. In other states, such as WI, its passage and implementation is very recent.

A few states legally require all CCW License holders to "promptly inform" police officers with whom they come in close contact (such as in a traffic-stop) of their legally-armed status. Most states have no such requirement. Even where there is such a requirement in law, the manner in which it is to be actually carried out by the CCW licensee is not specifically described.

Most individual police officers and police executives have no objection to these "shall-issue" CCW laws, and have in fact, secured CCW licenses for their own spouses and other eligible family members. However, some officers, even entire departments, still exhibit a depraved anti-gun agenda that has led to unnecessarily disagreeable, even menacing, confrontations with legitimate CCW licensees.

Here is my advice to CCW licensees:

1) Be in bed by ten o'clock! Police regard those who are up and about late at night as less respectable, and more dangerous, than "normal" people, who sleep during the night and are active during daylight hours. A " nocturnal" life-style is fraught with peril and unhappiness!

2) Have a "normal" appearance. Police officers automatically focus on " unusual" things and circumstances. That's their job! Simply looking " normal" goes as long way toward putting police officers at ease. Who insist on covering themselves with tattoos, dyeing their hair purple, and having a " face-by-Ace-Hardware" will discover that they garner a great deal of attention, most of it unwanted.

3) Keep your pistol discreetly concealed, and don't talk about it. The vast majority of people with whom you associate should never know it is there.

4) Stay away from places where people are in a highly-emotional state. Emotionally-charged sporting events, political rallies, picket-lines, et al are good places not to be. When confronted by highly-emotional people, politely disengage and withdraw.

5) Don't hang-out with boisterous, slatternly, rowdy people, nor with people who have been drinking excessively. They will have a unhappy evening. Don't join them!

6) Be a courteous, cautious, conservative driver. Don't speed and don't show-off. Who do had better get used to talking with police!

7) When pulled over in traffic by police, don't voluntarily bring up the subject of guns, unless required by law.

In that case, put it something like this, "Officer, I have a permit. Would you like to see it?" Drive a " normal-looking" car.

When berated, even threatened, by police, do not answer in kind. Remain calm and polite. Indicate to them that you want to talk with their supervisor. When bombarded with accusations and threats, indicate to them that you want your lawyer personally present before answering any further questions. Repeat as necessary.

9) Don't fail the "attitude test!" Displaying a belligerent, arrogant, combative attitude around police will almost certainly lead to caustic confrontations and a cheerless evening. Be always even-tempered, polite, reasonable, and in-control, never loud and defensive.

Here is my advice to my brother police officers:

1) Get over it! It's the law now. Your personal opinion is irrelevant. Besides, no class of citizens represents less of a threat to police officers than do legal CCW license-holders. They are the ones we should fear least!

2) Don't ask legally-armed citizens why they own, and carry, guns. Frankly, it's none of your business! They are merely exercising their rights as Americans and as citizens of your state. It is no different than attending the church of their choice or writing letters to their Congressman. None of those activities are immoral, nor illegal.

3) Don't pointlessly humiliate and denigrate people legally carrying concealed guns. No legitimate purpose is served by stripping them of their dignity by disarming them in public and in front of their families and friends.

Legally concealed guns need to stay in holsters, out of sight, and out of conversation. The last thing you want is a gun being waved around inside a car, because you indicated that you "wanted to see it!"

I absolutely agree that fear of the aftermath can cause fatal hesitation. I think the best way to deal with it is by training the practitioner in what to expect in that aftermath, and how to handle it.

The person who is confident in their ability to cope with what follows, will be more confident in following their training and making the right decision, and acting immediately, when force does have to be used.

Some states require CCW holders to notify police they are armed on contact with them. Many more states do not have such a requirement, but is it a good idea anyway? The answer may vary depending on whom you ask, but regardless of what state I’m in I err on the side of caution and tell law enforcement officers (LEOs) that I am carrying. My reason is simple: I have yet to meet the cop who likes surprises. I prefer to tell them I’m carrying, rather than have them find out on their own.

Thinking back to my own time in blue, I encountered people who had CCWs and I appreciated their telling me they were armed. I did not appreciate the few times I had to find out about it on my own! Besides, most cops don’t know who we are when they encounter us in their official capacity as guardians of public order and safety. Anything I can do to demonstrate good faith is good for both me and the officer.

But then...some people have indicated that by telling the officer about a 'gun' ...you may cause an over-reaction on his part...he may then want to search your car etc.

Yes it is good to read all of what is recommended...but then again no guarantees.

From my conversations with gun safety trainers [for the purpose of getting a license] in my area...the predominant opinion is as J Farnam puts it

When pulled over in traffic by police, don't voluntarily bring up the subject of guns, unless required by law.

But then again it is a crap shoot based on why you were pulled over, what-overall- impression you make on the police officer...the tone of your voice...etc.

And most important...we can't make any assumptions as to how an individual police officer will act with us during a stop.

In many ways a traffic stop resembles a street confrontation where you will be nervous, where you will have an adrenaline surge that might make you 'babble' some...and not think or talk 'straight' along with some 'fumbling'...

I recall two of my personal experiences in the past:

After been pulled over for traffic infractions and opening up my wallet to get my driver's license, the officer also saw my carry license.

In one case I was not carrying...so I told the officer ...and he let it go.

In the other case, a State trooper, after seeing my carry license, and after my telling him I was armed, he made me get out of the car, place my left leg on the rear bumper, then proceeded to 'disarm' me by removing a .38 snubby from my ankle holster, unloading it and 'securing it'...giving it back to me only after I was back in my car as he was done and pulling away.

He told me he was doing it for his own protection.

Had I kept the permit hidden in the wallet, most likely nothing would have made him 'uncomfortable'...

Then again, who the hell knows.

Every officer is different and will treat you based on his own beliefs and perceptions of you personally and even the car you drive.

What is important and sometimes hard to do...is for someone with a permit...to ignore road 'temptations' if you know what I mean.

1. Could you kindly inform me if there is a requirement in the State of Mass to have to immediately notify a local or state police officer during a routine traffic stop that the driver of the car and or its passengers have a concealed carry weapon permit and or have a firearm on their person or in the vehicle?

Walpole PD

NO, THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED BY LAW TO DISCLOSE THAT;HOWEVER, SHOULD THEY BE GIVEN AN EXIT ORDER FROM THE CAR OR IT COULD BE VISABLE, IT WOULD BE SUGGESTED FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY. THE OFFICER NEVER KNOWS WHO THEY ARE DEALING WITH DURING A STOP.

~~

2.Even if no such law ...is it something the officer would want to know anyway...and would he get upset if he were to find one?

Walpole PD

OFFICERS ARE TRAINED IN HOW TO DEAL WITH IT AND THEY WOULD INITIALLY REQUEST TO SEE THE LICENSE TO CARRY.

~~

3.Would you recommend that the police officer be placed on notice regardless of any law?

Walpole PD

I THINK MOST OFFICERS WOULD APPRECIATE THE NOTICE SO THAT THEY ARE INFORMED; I HAVE HAD IT HAPPEN BEFORE. I THINK IF AN EXIT ORDER WAS GIVEN THAT THE PERSON SIMPLY IS UP FRONT AS TO MAINTAIN SAFETY.

~~

4.Can a police officer tell by the vehicle's plate number if the owner has a license to carry?

Walpole PD

NO, THEY WOULD HAVE TO INSPECT THE ACTUAL LICENSE TO CARRY, BUT THE COMPUTER WOULD NOT TELL THEM.

~~

May be best not to volunteer the information that you are carrying a concealed firearm during a routine stop, unless you are told to exit the vehicle.

If i were ordered to exit, I would tell the officer I have a license to carry and wether or not I were carrying on my person or in my car. [Remember that if the weapon is in the car, it should be within your arm's reach and it should be concealed from view...so I was informed by a safety instructor]

Even if not ordered to exit, but, depending on the nature of the stop and noticing the demeanor of the officer[upset etc.]

I would then very politely put him on notice of a license to carry and of carrying/not carrying at that point in time.

I would also tell him of other 'weapons' such as OC pepper spray on me or in the car...possibly for defensive use against dogs.

Also remember that any other questionable items such as a knife etc.

if asked...they are nothing more than utility/emergency/rescue tools.

Never refer to them as defensive weapons.

I would not carry a Billy club or other such item in the car as a Billy club is illegal.